Sunday, 4 May 2025: Rumstar returned to the scene of his juvenile Cornwallis Stakes victory to take the five-furlong Palace House Stakes as a five-year-old.

RUMSTAR winning the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket in England.

Jonathan Portman 's gelding had ended a mixed season in 2024 with a Listed success in the Rous Stakes at Ascot and the Lambourn -based trainer was hopeful a return to five furlongs over the Rowley Mile would see 2025 begin in good fashion.

It was a straightforward task for jockey Rob Hornby , who was always prominent in the far side group, moving to the front in the final furlong. He stayed on well to record a one-and-a-quarter length success over She's Quality , with Clarendon House  a further two-and-a-half lengths back in third.

Portman said: "We have been very much looking forward to running him. It seems to have been a long time since last October, waiting for him to get back on the track.

"He has been in fantastic form and looking great this year. It's great to be back and great to have him back winning in this company.

"The Rowley Mile has been very kind to me over the years and we have won lots of nice races here. We have been very lucky here and we'll be back here whenever we can.

"I think we had him where we wanted him today and I think he is a stronger horse this year. I don't weigh my horses but he seems heavier than he was last year and the year before.

"I had to ring the owner the other day and ask for permission to spend £4,000 or whatever it was to ask for permission to enter him for Royal Ascot. He still hasn't recovered and that is why he isn't here today!

"I think now we've spent that money we have got to go there now. Do I think he is a Group One horse? I think that is probably optimistic but with these sprinters, they do the talking. Group Ones are a different ball game and we are under no illusions – we will enjoy today."